Earthquake Injures 20 People in Central Japan
At least 20 people sustained injuries after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, according to local media reports.
The injuries were reported in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, Kyodo News reported, citing local officials. Authorities confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake originated in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of approximately 40 kilometers beneath the surface.
The tremor was described as the strongest earthquake to affect Aichi in nearly 30 years.
Meanwhile, Chubu Electric Power Co., the operator of the Hamaoka nuclear power station in Shizuoka, reported no unusual activity or abnormalities at the facility following the incident.
The earthquake also disrupted local transportation, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend several train services.
Separately, another earthquake measuring 4.3 in magnitude struck southwestern Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture on Sunday morning.
Japan is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where four major tectonic plates meet. The country’s geographical position exposes it to frequent seismic activity.
Kumamoto previously experienced a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake on July 28.
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